Larnaca is a beautiful coastal city in Cyprus with a fascinating blend of Eastern and Western architecture. In addition to its unique cultural heritage, Larnaca is home to gorgeous beaches, buzzing nightlife, and plenty of historical sites.
At Take Me to Europe Tours, we visit this incredible city as part of our Cyprus Tours. We’ve created this travel guide the best things to see, how to get around, where to stay, and more to help you on your trip. If you have any questions about our tours, feel free to get in touch.
Is Larnaca Worth Visiting?
Larnaca is a charming city with a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a vibrant atmosphere.
From the ancient city of Kition to the Byzantine Church of Saint Lazarus and the Hala Sultan Tekke, this city is a crossroads of many civilizations and cultures.
It is also home to natural wonders and nature reserves, and plenty of lively cafes and restaurants.
Where is Larnaca?
Larnaca is on Cyprus’ southeastern coast, is the capital of Larnaca District, and is the third largest city on the island.
Larnaca district is surrounded by the districts of Limassol, Nicosia, and Famagusta, making it an ideal base for exploring the rest of the island. It is home to the main international airport in Cyprus, so it is also easily reached by air.
Best Time to Visit Larnaca
The peak tourist season in Larnaca is during the summer months of June to August, when the temperatures are at their highest. So, if you enjoy sunny days spent by the sea, vibrant nightlife, and an energetic atmosphere, then this is the perfect time to visit.
However, if you prefer fewer crowds and milder temperatures, the shoulder seasons of Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October) are ideal.
During these months, you can still enjoy pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from the low 20s to mid-30 Celsius and take advantage of lower accommodation rates.
Winter in Larnaca (November to March) tends to be mild, making it a pleasant time for cultural exploration and outdoor activities like hiking and exploring historical sites without the crowds.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Larnaca depends on your preferences and interests. I prefer Larnaca during September and October when the weather still feels much like in summer but with fewer crowds.
Best Things to Do in Larnaca
There’s enough to keep a solo traveler or a family busy for a week in Larnaca, in large part because of it’s nearby beaches, but also because of the day trip opportunities that are only an hour or so away.
Church of Saint Lazarus
Saint Lazarus Church is the most popular attraction in Larnaca. The church is dedicated to St Lazarus and was initially a Byzantine church built in the 9th century.
It was restored in the 17th century.
In the Christian bible, Lazarus was a friend of Jesus who was resurrected by him after he died from illness. After rising from the dead, he left Jerusalem to settle in the ancient city of Kiti, which is modern-day Larnaca. And here he became the city’s bishop.
The church is where his tomb lies, within a crypt under the church. The church itself is architecturally interesting, featuring several different cultural heritages. For instance, it was initially a Byzantine church that was then transformed into a Catholic monastery, an Islamic mosque, and most recently into an Orthodox church.
The Church of Lazarus is one of the highlights of our Biblical Cyprus Tour, where we explore some of the most significant sites in Christian history.
Larnaca Fort
Larnaca Fort is an iconic landmark that shouldn’t be missed.
Located on the edge of the city’s seaside promenade, this impressive fortification dates to the 17th century and was built by the Ottomans.
However, on this site, there was a much earlier medieval fort used as the main line of defense during the regime of the Lusignan King James I. During the British colonial period, Larnaca Fort was used as a prison.
Today there is a Medieval Museum within the fort. The museum displays a small collection of artifacts, including weapons, pottery, medieval tombstones, and photographs from the previous century documenting the recent history of the fort.
Grand Mosque
Across from the fort is Larnaca’s Grand Mosque, which was built on the site of a 13th-century Catholic church dedicated to Saint Catherine.
Hala Sultan Tekke
Hala Sultan Tekke is a sacred and significant site for Muslims.
The mosque sits on the banks of the Larnaca Salt Lake and is about three kilometers from central Larnaca. There is also a tekke (Sufi lodge) and other religious buildings at the site.
This mosque honors the prophet Muhammad’s foster mother, Umm Haram, who is said to have died at this site after falling from her donkey. Her burial site was discovered by the Ottomans, who built the mosque in the 18th century.
The mosque features striking white domes, imposing tall minarets, and peaceful courtyards and gardens. Its interior features intricate decorative details and beautiful calligraphy adorning the walls.
Zenobia Shipwreck
The Zenobia Shipwreck is a fascinating diving site you shouldn’t miss.
Located just off Larnaca’s coast, this shipwreck is considered one of the top diving spots in the world. It was a Swedish cargo ship carrying tractor-trailers that capsized in 1980. The loss of the cargo was estimated at around US$200 million.
But even though its sinking was an unfortunate event, it created an underwater playground for scuba divers. Divers of all levels can explore the starboard of the ship, while more experienced divers can dive even lower to explore the ship’s cabins, corridors, and vehicles.
Larnaca Beaches
Larnaca boasts some of the most family-friendly beaches in Cyprus. The most famous beach is Finikoudes Beach, a palm tree-lined beach with vibrant cafes and restaurants nearby, and the city center is just a few minutes away.
Another popular beach is the Mackenzie Beach. With crystal-clear blue shallow waters and a relaxed vibe, its ideal for families with children.
A favorite beach among locals is Kastela Beach, a 600-meter-long strip with fine sand, pristine waters, and touches of greenery, making it seem like a small tropical beach. Kastela Beach is surrounded by traditional fish tavernas so it’s a good spot for an all-day beach trip.
Larnaca Salt Lake
A stunning natural wonder within Larnaca City is the beautiful Salt Lake, a picturesque lake of four interconnected saltwater lakes.
In winter, the lake fills with water, creating a mirror-like reflection of the surrounding scenery. As the water evaporates in the summer heat, it leaves behind a shimmering layer of salt, giving the lake its name.
The lake is the temporary home for thousands of migratory flamingos and is deservedly popular with birdwatchers and photographers.
Larnaca Museums
Larnaca has a rich cultural heritage, showcased in several museums.
A must-visit museum is the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum. Its exhibitions are diverse, from pottery to jewelry, to sculptures and tombstones from the ancient city of Kiti.
The Pierides Museum is located in a traditional 18th-century house. It features a collection of Cypriot antiquities, including ceramics, statues, and coins.
For art enthusiasts, the Larnaca Municipal Gallery features the works of Cypriot artists and has rotating exhibitions.
Around Larnaca
With the international airport and its location in the middle of the southern coast, Larnaca is a destination that lends itself to day trips.
Choirokoitia
Just outside of Larnaca, you’ll find Choirokoitia, an extraordinary UNESCO-listed archaeological site dating back over 9,000 years to the Neolithic period.
The Neolithic settlement preserves the residential round stone and mud-brick foundations that were built up a hillside.
At the entrance to the site are several reconstructed round houses that allow us to see what this settlement must have looked like.
So, if you want to see a site that shows us the village of the earliest people to settle in Cyprus, a visit to the blockbuster World Heritage site of Choirokoitia is, I think, unforgettable. To learn more, read our blog about Why You Must Visit Choirokoitia.
How to get to Choirokoitoia
Choirokoitia is about a 30-minute drive from Larnaca.
You can also reach the site with bus lines 45 or 46 from Nikou Kai Despoinas Pattichi Avenue in central Larnaca. The bus ride is about 45 minutes.
Stavrovouni Monastery
Perched atop a rocky peak in the Troodos Mountains with the Larnaca region, Stavrovouni Monastery is a true gem.
The monastery was founded in the 4th century by Saint Helena, the mother of Emperor Constantine the Great, and features a beautifully adorned chapel and a small museum exhibiting religious artifacts.
One peculiarity is that women are banned from entering the monastery!
Nevertheless, women can still enjoy the grounds and the spectacular vistas and visit All Saints Church just outside the compound.
How to get to Stavrovouni Monastery
Unfortunately, there aren’t direct buses to Stavrovouni Monastery. The closest bus station is at the village of Anglisides, a twenty-minute drive from the monastery.
You can reach Anglisides using bus lines 408, 412, and 414 from Georg. Griva Digeni Avenue in Larnaca. The trip time is about 50 minutes.
If you prefer to reach Stavrovouni Monastery hassle-free, it might be best to either hire a car or join an organized tour.
Lefkara
Located in the picturesque foothills of the Troodos Mountains, Lefkara is a charming and picturesque village in the Larnaca district.
The village is renowned for its lacework and silverware, making it the perfect destination to experience Larnaca’s traditional art and crafts.
Stroll along the village’s cobbled streets, marvel at the traditional architecture, browse the local shops and boutique stores, and indulge in a meze feast at a traditional tavern.
Pay a visit to the village’s medieval church which features beautiful frescoes and ornate iconostasis.
How to get to Lefkara
If you prefer using public transportation, to reach Lefkara, you’ll need to take the bus line 414 or 408 to Kofinou Station and then change to the bus line 405 to Lefkara.
The total time for the trip is about one hour and twenty minutes.
The drive to Lefkara from Larnaca is only about 30 minutes.
Where to Stay in Larnaca
Larnaca boasts a wide range of accommodations catering to every budget and preference.
- Best Western Plus Larco Hotel – The outdoor pool is heated from November through April! This is a four-star hotel one block from the beach.
- Sun Hall Hotel – A four-star super quiet hotel right on the beachfront.
Finikoudes is Larnaca’s most central area and is known for its vibrant atmosphere and beautiful promenade, home to a wide range of hotels, restaurants, cafes, and shops.
It is also home to the famous Finikoudes Beach, making it a popular choice for beach lovers.
Another popular area to stay is Mackenzie, as it is known for its lively nightlife scene, with numerous bars and clubs along the strip, as well as Mackenzie Beach, which features clear waters and soft sand.
If you’re seeking a modern and upscale setting, Larnaca Marina is a recently developed area. It’s full of luxury hotels, restaurants, and cafes along with beautiful views of the marina and the Mediterranean Sea.
For those who want to stay away from the city center, Pervolia is a charming village about 15 kilometers southwest of Larnaca. Pervolia is an authentic Cypriot experience with its narrow streets, local taverns, and peaceful beaches.
How to Get Around Larnaca
Generally, Larnaca is a very walkable city, so you can explore the old town, most of Larnaca’s landmarks, and popular beaches on foot.
If you wish to venture further than the city center, you can use Larnaca’s reliable and affordable bus network.
The central station is just above the start of Finikoudes Boulevard, near the marina, where you can find a route map and timetable for all the destinations within the city and nearby villages.
There are buses every 20 to 30 minutes with a single ticket only €1.5, a daily ticket €5, while night routes are €2.5.
It is also possible to rent a bicycle and use the city’s many bike lanes and dedicated paths.
Emergency and Useful Numbers
| Police/Fire/Ambulance | 112 |
| Police (Larnaca ) | 24 804 040 |
| Pharmacies out of hours (Larnaka) | 90 901 414 |
| Private doctors On call (Larnaca) | 90 901 434 |
| Larnaca General Hospital | 24 800 500 |
| Paphos and Larnaca Airport Info | 77 778 833 |
| Cyprus Tourist Information (CTO) Larnaca | 24 654 322 |
Visit Larnaca with Take Me To Europe
If you want to visit Larnaca without the hassle of driving but with the benefit of a private guide, then join our Cyprus Tours! We explore the culture and history of this fascinating region and beyond, diving into heritage sites and tucking into delicious food along the way. Any questions? Feel free to get in touch.
